Charlotte area runners didn’t waste time finding ways to help after Helene cut its path across western North Carolina. While the videos and stories filled our social media feeds, local runners were busy filling trucks and emptying shelves of supplies that would be headed to some of the areas hardest hit by the storm.
As of this edition, Governor Roy Cooper’s office reported more than 40-plus deaths attributed to the weather, hundreds of thousands of folks still without power, and hundreds of roads closed – or no longer in existence – across 25 North Carolina counties.
While relief agencies, news crews, and volunteers set up shop in that part of the state, runners rushed to help, too.
“Like anyone else in Charlotte, we’ve been waiting and watching patiently to figure out how to best help our neighbors up the mountain,” said Around the Crown 10k’s Brian Mister.
That “how” took the form of a supply drive that drew dozens of local runners, and mustered a truckload of water, non-perishables, cleaning supplies, pet food, and other necessities that would be headed west.
Mattie’s Diner Run Club was one of the many area run clubs that turned its regularly-scheduled gathering into an opportunity to pitch in. Jessica Castaneda helps organize the club’s weekly runs from the diner’s Plaza-Midwood location. She said bringing the group together for a greater good is the right thing to do.
“We wholeheartedly believe in the power of community,” Castaneda told us. “Collectively, we knew we needed to spring into action and stand behind our ideals.”
Like other run clubs, Castaneda said the collections at Mattie’s Diner Run Club would continue. She encouraged runners to keep up with them on social media to stay in the loop.
Mattie’s Diner Run Club was one of the many area run clubs that turned its regularly-scheduled gathering into an opportunity to pitch in. Jessica Castaneda helps organize the club’s weekly runs from the diner’s Plaza-Midwood location. She said bringing the group together for a greater good is the right thing to do.
“We wholeheartedly believe in the power of community,” Castaneda told us. “Collectively, we knew we needed to spring into action and stand behind our ideals.”
Like other run clubs, Castaneda said the collections at Mattie’s Diner Run Club would continue. She encouraged runners to keep up with them on social media to stay in the loop.
With its headquarters located in that part of the state, the effort is personal for Recover Brands. The apparel company released a limited edition, print-on-demand tee that will fund disaster relief efforts.
“This hurricane reminds us just how interconnected we are,” Recover Brands founder Bill Johnston said in a statement announcing the project. “Moments like these reinforce our commitment to resilience, not just as a business but as a community.”
Tuesday of this week, Nourish Up sent more than 10,000 pounds of food and necessities to the Asheville area. Courtney Oates is marketing and events director for the Charlotte-based nonprofit. She said that need will only grow as folks displaced from the storm relocate here.
“We know to anticipate those increased numbers,” said Oates. “Our need will be greater as we will supply groceries and meals to those who need it. So our need for food and monetary donations will be even greater.”
With its headquarters located in that part of the state, the effort is personal for Recover Brands. The apparel company released a limited edition, print-on-demand tee that will fund disaster relief efforts.
“This hurricane reminds us just how interconnected we are,” Recover Brands founder Bill Johnston said in a statement announcing the project. “Moments like these reinforce our commitment to resilience, not just as a business but as a community.”
Tuesday of this week, Nourish Up sent more than 10,000 pounds of food and necessities to the Asheville area. Courtney Oates is marketing and events director for the Charlotte-based nonprofit. She said that need will only grow as folks displaced from the storm relocate here.
“We know to anticipate those increased numbers,” said Oates. “Our need will be greater as we will supply groceries and meals to those who need it. So our need for food and monetary donations will be even greater.”
Nourish Up and the Josh Neuman Foundation hope runners and friends can offset that need through a project called “Miles for Meals.” They’re aiming to raise $50,000 during this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Runners can set up a fundraising team, or simply donate directly to the effort.
“The response from run clubs and their members has been selfless and humbling,” added Mister. “We know that this will not be a one day or one week run, and we’re here for the long haul.”
Want to help?
Recover Brands Western NC Strong tee https://recoverbrands.com/products/western-north-carolina-strong
Nourish Up https://nourishup.org
Josh Neuman Foundation “Miles for Meals” https://joshneumanfoundation.org/campaign/jnf-miles-for-meals-charlotte-marathon/
Additional Donation Resources (Axios CLT) https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/29/helene-flooding-north-carolina-donations-help
Nourish Up and the Josh Neuman Foundation hope runners and friends can offset that need through a project called “Miles for Meals.” They’re aiming to raise $50,000 during this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Runners can set up a fundraising team, or simply donate directly to the effort.
“The response from run clubs and their members has been selfless and humbling,” added Mister. “We know that this will not be a one day or one week run, and we’re here for the long haul.”
Looking for ways to help?
Recover Brands Western NC Strong tee https://recoverbrands.com/products/western-north-carolina-strong
Nourish Up https://nourishup.org
Josh Neuman Foundation “Miles for Meals” https://joshneumanfoundation.org/campaign/jnf-miles-for-meals-charlotte-marathon/
Donation Resources (Axios CLT) https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/29/helene-flooding-north-carolina-donations-help
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